Following its successful launch in the US, Honda has begun leasing the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car in Japan, delivering the first vehicle to the Ministry of the Environment.

While Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity to government agencies and selected corporate entities, the roll out is part of the company’s broader commitment to lease the FCX Clarity to at least 200 customers in the United States and Japan over the next three years.

Honda Australia’s Senior Director, Mr. Lindsay Smalley said while there were no immediate plans to import the FCX Clarity to Australia, it is part of Honda’s long term vision. “The lack of infrastructure in this country is the biggest hurdle, however the FCX Clarity shows that Honda has introduced the future to the world today.

“Honda has been a world leader in producing low emission vehicles, dating back to the original Civic in 1972 with its ultra-clean CVCC engine. We’ve introduced hybrid and natural gas powered cars and in the future it is our vision to provide the world with the ultimate emissions-free car, the FCX Clarity,” said Mr. Smalley.

A dedicated fuel cell vehicle, the four-seater FCX Clarity runs on electricity produced by combining hydrogen with oxygen and emits only water vapour. Honda claims the vehicle is twice as energy efficient as a petrol-electric hybrid with three times better fuel efficiency than a traditional, petrol-powered car.

The FCX Clarity is powered by the Honda V Flow fuel cell stack that powers the car’s motor. A breakthrough in the design of the fuel cell stack has enabled engineers to lighten the body, expand the interior and increase efficiency.

Launched in the US in July 2008, the FCX Clarity was the first hydrogen car certified for regular commercial use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One of the first customers to lease the FCX Clarity was Hollywood star Jamie Lee-Curtis. Other well-known Honda FCX Clarity drivers from the world of entertainment are actress Laura Harris from the television show 24 and film producer Ron Yerxa.